Canada welcomes exception for India from NSG guidelines

New Delhi, Sept.8 : Canadian Foreign Minister David Emerson today welcomed the Nuclear Suppliers Group's decision to allow nuclear trade with India.

"Canada's decision to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group consensus marks a turning point in our relations with India and will help to facilitate a more comprehensive and robust bilateral relationship," said Minister Emerson in a statement issued by the Canadian High Commission here.

"India is a responsible democracy that shares with Canada the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law," added the Minister. "It has made substantial commitments to achieve the trust of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, including a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency that will allow the Agency to monitor additional civilian nuclear facilities in India. Furthermore, India has agreed to remain committed to a voluntary unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing," Emerson said further.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group is a group of 45 countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by establishing guidelines for nuclear and nuclear-related exports.

ANI